This week we will mostly be concerning ourselves with France’s European dominance, Beno Obano’s dreadful luck and the Six Nations portents… At least these games used to be competitive. There was once a time not all that long ago when you would need to win away from home to make sure of even having a sniff of qualification from the pool stages of the European Cup.

Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou have both been included in France's matchday squad to face Wales in the first game of the Six Nations tournament next week.

France head coach Fabien Galthie said on Tuesday he and his coaches take "complete responsibility" for including two players in his Six Nations squad who were investigated for rape in Argentina before the case was dismissed.

LEINSTER coach Leo Cullen expects some of his players will be taking on opponents not on the pitch today – but that is fine by him.  Cullen’s men are in La Rochelle for what has become

Captains and head coaches from all Six Unions and Federations gathered in Rome, Italy, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Six Nations Championship.

Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou have been called up by France to prepare for the Six Nations after an Argentine court last month dropped aggravated sexual assault charges against the pair.

Assuming the role of head coach on an interim basis in place of Andy Farrell, Easterby cut a relaxed figure among coaches more experienced at this annual event – Warren Gatland is heading into his 17th Championship and even Gonzalo Quesada had done his first last year.

Scotland have been dealt a huge injury blow ahead of the Six Nations, with captain and influential midfielder Sione Tuipulotu a major doubt.

World Player of the Year Thierry Dusautoir gives his verdict on who will win the Six Nations - and gives his judgement on the job Ronan O'Gara is doing with La Rochelle

France captain Antoine Dupont said Toulouse's thrashing of Leicester in the Champions Cup was the perfect warm-up for the Six Nations.

In December, the case against the 21-year-olds was dropped after the two forwards had faced accusations in July. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Morse is brought down just short of the line but the damage has been done and Dan Edwards is able to walk over the line for a try. Minutes later Morse bursts through the middle of the Pau defence with his explosive power and pace knocking defenders aside to lay the platform for scrum-half Luke Davies to score the winner.